Puso ng Pasko (Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines / Patrick Uy)
Cover Puso ng Pasko (Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines / Patrick Uy)
Puso ng Pasko (Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines / Patrick Uy)

Artists from the Professional Artist Support Program and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines are preparing something for you

Are you ready for another year of witnessing the glory that is our culture and experiencing the thrilling dance performances our theatres have to offer?

The Metropolitan Theater and the Cultural Center of the Philippines are pleased to announce the return of a new and exciting season of dance. With award-winning productions featuring masterpieces from the Filipino dance repertoire and brand-new works by young choreographers, the artists from the Professional Artist Support Program (PASP) and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) are sure to show you another set of masterpieces.

In case you missed it: Ballet Manila performs 'Romeo and Juliet' for its 25th performance season

From dealing with gods and other inhumane forces to interacting with the supernatural, this year's shows are sure to strike your fancy.

Encantada

One of the most important days in April is Earth Day, an annual event that inspires and encourages everyone to care for the environment. In celebration of the said event, the 2023 Dance Season will open with Encantada, by National Artist for Dance Agnes Locsin.

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Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines / Darrell Sicam
Above Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines / Darrell Sicam
Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines / Darrell Sicam

Encatada is a Filipino masterwork directed and choreographed by Locsin, together with music by Joey Ayala, libretto by Al Santos, and production design by National Artist Salvador Bernal. The story will revolve around the repercussions that come with man's destruction of nature.

Look forward to the performance during the dates April 14 and 15, 2023 at Samsung Performing Arts Theater, and April 21 to 22, 2023 at the Metropolitan Theater.

Rama, Hari

In September, Alice Reyes' Rama, Hari will bare its wings. If you are an avid fan of epics, then this is for you.

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Ronelson Yadao as Rama in Alice Reyes' Rama, Hari (Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines / Jojo Mamangun)
Above Ronelson Yadao as Rama in Alice Reyes' Rama, Hari (Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines / Jojo Mamangun)
Ronelson Yadao as Rama in Alice Reyes' Rama, Hari (Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines / Jojo Mamangun)

Rama, Hari is a Filipino modern rock opera ballet. It's a collaboration between five National Artists: Alice Reyes for direction and choreography, Ryan Cayabyab for music, Salvador Bernal for production design, Bienvenido Lumbera for the libretto, and English translations by Rolando Tinio.

It will show on September 15 to 16, 2023 at Samsung Performing Arts Theater and September 22 to 23, 2023 at Metropolitan Theater. 

Carmen and Other Spirits

October will be all about spirits, practices, and the self.

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(Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines)
Above Edna Vida (Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines)
(Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines)

Carmen and Other Spirits by Alice Reyes is a bold piece that showcases dynamism and bravado in modern, contemporary, and neo-classical genres. It features iconic gems in the Filipino dance repertoire and the premiere of choreographic works by the new generation of top Filipino choreographers including a suite of dances exploring the rich culture of the Bicol Region.

Book the dates October 20 and 21, 2023 at Samsung Performing Arts Theater, or October 27 and 28, 2023 at Metropolitan Theater to watch the performance. 

Puso ng Pasko

Capping off the season is the returning Puso ng Pasko. This year, it expands the world of Tres Reyes, continuing to explore and incorporate more of the different festivities in the Philippines.

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Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines / Patrick Uy
Above Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines / Patrick Uy
Photo: Cultural Center of the Philippines / Patrick Uy

Puso ng Pasko is about a man named Lolo Val regaling tales of the magical Christmases of his youth in Tres Reyes to his young granddaughter, Angelita. From parol to puto bumbong, Simbang Gabi to parties in the town plaza, young love to nostalgia via Zoom, the true spirit of Filipino Christmas is celebrated to the timeless music of our favourite Filipino Christmas carols arranged by Ryan Cayabyab.

For season subscriptions and ticket reservations, contact Kurt Copon at ardancephilippinesinc@gmail.com.

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Angela Nicole Guiral
Digital Editor, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.